Her Majesty the Queen hears about Wiltshire’s work to tackle Domestic Abuse

On 24 February 2025, we were delighted to meet Her Majesty the Queen, as members of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Group for Wiltshire at an event at Bowood House.

Welcomed by Chair, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, the Lord Lieutenant Dame Sarah Troughton and High Sheriff, Dr Olivia Chapple, Her Majesty engaged with key members of the group, including Carole and Matthew Gould, parents of Ellie Gould, who was tragically murdered in 2019. Their advocacy has raised awareness of this important issue and the need to strengthen domestic violence laws.

Representatives from the judiciary, law, education, the police, business leaders, and the voluntary sector discussed their collective efforts to combat domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Key initiatives delivered by the EVAWG Group over the last 12 months include a partnership with the Women’s Institute which aims to engage 100 members of the Wiltshire WI as community champions, trained to identify and support those affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence. Trained domestic abuse support staff located within Gable Cross Police Station engaging with those arrested for domestic abuse crimes, improved court experiences for survivors of domestic abuse, lobbying for tougher sentencing, sustainable front-line service funding, education programmes for young people and an allyship event for business leaders held at Swindon Town Football Club to raise awareness and call for action.

We also updated on our Women and Girls Fund, which was launched to address the stark reality that only 2% of UK charitable giving supports women and girls. It was an honour to share the brilliant work that local groups are doing through the fund to make Wiltshire a safer, fairer place.

In addition to the fund, we also support women and girls through university bursaries, vocational grants and start-up funding for young entrepreneurs. These programmes provide hope of financial independence, a future with choices and freedom to make those choices.

Commenting on our Women and Girls’ Fund, Wiltshire Community Foundation joint Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: "Through our Fund we are already supporting a range of organisations delivering vital projects: Salisbury Women’s Refuge; Fear Free; Escapeline; Mighty Girls; First Light; All Yours Period Box and Society Without Abuse. These critical organisations provide safety, care, dignity, and hope—essentials every woman and girl deserve.”

Vice Chair of EVAWG Wiltshire, and Chair of Society Without Abuse, Nicky Alberry, said: "Over the last year, we’ve driven real change—prevention programmes in schools, critical support for survivors, advocacy at local and national level, and stronger partnerships to accelerate impact. Together, we can end domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wiltshire.”

Reinforcing the importance of collaboration, Jennie Shaw, co-founder of EVAWG Wiltshire and Director of Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust said: "We are delighted to have had this opportunity to brief Her Majesty the Queen on our mission and progress made to date. Our meeting highlights the power of united action. Through partnership working and with continued commitment, we are creating lasting change for individuals, families, and communities and we will not stop until we have eradicated gender-based abuse and violence."

Find out more about our Women and Girls Fund here

Photo by Natasha Lee-Jones, The Little Photo Company.